Real Monarchs squad overview: Forwards

Andrew Brody

A graduate of Real Salt Lake's academy and an Orlando native, Brody is one of the more promising wide players to come from the setup in recent memory. From there, he joined Louisville, where he spent three years as one of the more prominent players in their setup — and one of a few RSL academy players to play for the school, including Tate Schmitt, Jack Gayton and Jon Zabasajja.

Last season: Brody played in every match of the season, scoring three goals and assisting on three more. He left the school after his junior year to join the Monarchs.

What to expect: Look for Brody to make his impact in RSL's 4-3-3 with good back and forth play, but keep an eye on his movement and tendencies. He could be making an impact with goals and excellent crossing — but what will he make his trademark?

Kevaughn Frater

Frater, on loan from Jamaican side Harbour View FC (where former RSL defender Lovel Palmer played for 11 years), joins the team as a goalscoring threat — to the point that, in a press release announcing his signing, Monarchs coach Freddy Juarez commented on his long-range shooting: "He does have a long-range shot and he can hit the ball, it's just a matter of technically and consistently whether he can put it on frame to give himself a chance to score a goal."

Last season: Frater was part of the Jamaica U-23 side's Olympics Qualification hopes, and he apparently scored six goals with Harbour View.

What to expect: Look for Frater to challenge for a starting spot, but he's more likely to see time on the flanks than he is up front — that's where scouts have put him, at least.

Maikon Orellana

Another one of Real Monarchs' contingent from RSL-AZ, Orellana is a fine attacking player that makes his mark with tricky dribbling and good breakaway speed. He spent his pre-Monarchs professional career at Brondby IF in Denmark and Alianza FC in El Salvador.

Last season: Orellana scored two goals and notched three assists, but he certainly grew into his role as the season progressed. After missing the first five games of the season, Orellana only missed two of the remaining matches.

What to expect: Expect Orellana to look to lock down a starting spot — but with Andrew Brody and Eti Tavares in the squad, he may be splitting time.

Colin Rolfe

Rolfe, a 2012 MLS Draft pick by Houston Dynamo, is one of a few players at Real Monarchs who haven't succeeded during their rookie year at MLS teams. He joined Rochester Rhinos in 2014.

Last season: Apparently unhappy with his playing time in Rochester, Rolfe was one of the more important players at a very good team, scoring six goals in 25 matches.

What to expect: Rolfe is filling the capable shoes of Real Monarchs' 2015 leading goalscorer, Max Rauhofer. It won't be an easy task, but he can certainly find better discipline. Expect him to lead the line for the team.

Eti Tavares

Another academy graduate, Tavares has scored some incredible goals during his time at Real Monarchs, but his more active impact has been in beating players to the ball with startling frequency. When dribbling at a player, he was consistently able to burst past them to make a run toward goal.

Last season: Despite being a dangerous wide player, Tavares didn't notch any assists. He did score three goals, but that lack of goalscoring potential at points in the season shouldn't speak ill of Tavares' impact. Interestingly, Tavares started only ten games, but he played 28 — in other words, every match.

What to expect: If Tavares' impact continues to grow as it did in 2015, he could find himself earning a regular starting spot instead of a being seen as a bench option.